Slide-Glide Privacy Blind Barrier System

Abstract

A deck system includes a baluster actuator device that moves balusters from an open position to a closed position. The movable balusters are positioned in the open position to at least partially open the baluster gaps between the stationary balusters, and the movable balusters are positioned in the closed position to close the baluster gaps between the stationary balusters. The balusters further include one or more functional modules secured to module inserts defined in the balusters.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A deck system comprising:
 a plurality of stationary balusters disposed between an upper railing device and a lower railing device, the stationary balusters arranged at a predetermined distance to define baluster gaps therebetween;   a plurality of movable balusters disposed between the upper railing device and the lower railing device, the movable balusters arranged substantially at the predetermined distance, the plurality of movable balusters movable relative to the plurality of stationary balusters; and   a baluster actuator device configured to move the plurality of movable balusters from an open position to a closed position, wherein the plurality of movable balusters are positioned in the open position to at least partially open the baluster gaps between the stationary balusters, and the plurality of movable balusters are positioned in the closed position to close the baluster gaps between the stationary balusters.   
     
     
         2 . The deck system of  claim 1 , wherein, in the closed position, the baluster actuator device operates to move the plurality of movable balusters at least partially within the baluster gaps. 
     
     
         3 . The deck system of  claim 1 , wherein, in the closed position, the baluster actuator device operates to move the plurality of movable balusters within the baluster gaps to be in line with the plurality of stationary balusters. 
     
     
         4 . The deck system of  claim 1 , wherein the baluster actuator device comprises:
 a rotating gear mechanism including a rotating gear engaging at least one of the plurality of movable balusters and moving the plurality of movable balusters relative to the plurality of stationary balusters; and   a guide mechanism configured to guide the plurality of movable balusters relative to the plurality of stationary balusters between the open position and the closed position.   
     
     
         5 . The deck system of  claim 4 , wherein the guide mechanism includes a first guide rail against which a movable baluster slides to position between the open position and the closed position. 
     
     
         6 . The deck system of  claim 5 , wherein the first guide rail has a straight portion extending in parallel with a corresponding stationary baluster, and an angled portion angled adjacent an end of the corresponding stationary baluster and extending toward a gap between the corresponding stationary baluster and an adjacent stationary baluster. 
     
     
         7 . The deck system of  claim 6 , wherein the guide mechanism includes a baluster rail attached to the movable baluster and configured to slide against the first guide rail. 
     
     
         8 . The deck system of  claim 7 , wherein the baluster rail includes a straight portion extending in parallel with the corresponding stationary baluster, and an angled portion extending from an end of the straight portion of the baluster rail at an angle away from the corresponding stationary baluster, 
     
     
         9 . The deck system of  claim 8 , wherein the straight portion of the baluster rail is configured to slide against the straight portion of the first guide rail and the angled portion of the baluster rail is configured to slide against the angled portion of the first guide rail. 
     
     
         10 . The deck system of  claim 7 , wherein the guide mechanism includes a rail bracket attached to the movable baluster to fix the baluster rail to the movable baluster. 
     
     
         11 . The deck system of  claim 1 , further comprising a baluster coupling device configured to interconnect the movable balusters. 
     
     
         12 . A baluster for a deck system, the baluster comprising:
 a baluster panel unit defining a module insert; and   one or more functional modules configured to be secured to the module insert.   
     
     
         13 . The baluster of  claim 12 , wherein the module insert includes a groove extending at least partially along a length of the baluster panel unit. 
     
     
         14 . The baluster of  claim 12 , wherein the functional modules include at least one of a communication module, a battery pack module, a light module, a speaker module, and a solar panel module. 
     
     
         15 . The baluster of  claim 12 , further comprising a panel filler insert module configured to be secured to the module insert to fill a gap between the functional modules secured to the module insert. 
     
     
         16 . The baluster of  claim 12 , wherein the baluster panel unit includes a drain element arranged at a lower end of the module insert and configured to collect moisture and redirect the moisture out from the baluster panel. 
     
     
         17 . The baluster of  claim 16 , wherein the drain element includes a recess defined on a lower interior surface of the module insert. 
     
     
         18 . The baluster of  claim 17 , wherein the drain element includes a discharge channel defined on the baluster panel and extending downwardly from the recess. 
     
     
         19 . A method for providing a baluster for a deck system, the method comprising:
 removing a full length filler insert module from a module insert of a baluster panel unit;   inserting one or more functional modules in the module insert at a predetermined order;   cutting the full length filler insert module into one or more pieces of filler insert modules; and   inserting the one or more pieces of filler insert modules in the module insert to fill one or more gaps between the functional modules in the module insert.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the one or more functional modules include at least one of: a communication module, a battery pack module, a light module, a speaker module, and a solar panel module.